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Binghamton University SUNY
usinfo | 2013-06-18 11:24
History
Binghamton University was founded in 1946 under the name Triple Cities College, originally a part of Syracuse University. It was renamed Harpur College in 1950, in memory of a pioneer of the area, and then named as a university center of SUNY in 1965.
SUNY at Binghamton Academics
Binghamton’s colleges and schools include the Decker School of Nursing, Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Health and Physical Education department, School of Education and Human Development, School of Management, and the Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Binghamton in the top 50 public universities nationwide, and has for the last 8 years.
Unique Programs
The Bachelor of Arts in Cinema develops leaders in the field of creative film. Students learn critical analysis and appreciation, as well as artistic expression. Interdisciplinary topics include sociology, economics, and history. The curriculum focuses on production and analysis, as well as artistry. The program recognizes the growing influence—and, therefore, importance—of cinema, and imparts that appreciation on its graduates.
The Individualized Major Program allows students to identify and create their own path of study, based on interest or career goals. An advisory panel of faculty and administrators determines the curriculum’s validity and approves or disapproves a student’s proposed curriculum. Such majors may include dual topics of study, group projects, or even new courses.
SUNY at Binghamton Admissions
Binghamton University is searching for a diverse group of academically gifted young students to be their future graduates. Binghamton considers five different factors in the admissions process. In order of importance they are: academic performance (grade point average, courses completed, class ranking, and test scores), supplemental materials (personal essay, school activities, special talents or abilities), special circumstances or motivation, recommendations (at least one from a guidance counselor or teacher), and SAT II scores (not required, but recommended). Student must be approaching high school graduation, and there are no particular grade point average of test score requirements. Students with particular talents my have a special review by the department where they plan to study (music, art, etc.). Because admissions practices are intentionally targeted toward well qualified students, applicants often come to Binghamton with Advanced Placement credit. UB will accept such credit, provided the applicant scores 3 or better on a particular AP exam. Of the current freshman class, the combined SAT average was 1250 (compared to the national average of 1026). More than 80% of current freshman graduated in the top quarter of their high school graduating class. The average freshman had a high school grade average of 92%.
Financial Aid
The majority of student scholarships awarded at Binghamton University are need-based. Therefore, students are encouraged to file their FAFSA as early as possible after January 1 in anticipation of the following academic year. No forms or applications in addition to the FAFSA or application for admission are required; students are profiled based on the academic information presented in their admission documents. Students are encouraged to pursue other means of scholarship funding, either through their high school or local community.
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID DETAILS
SUNY at Binghamton Students
There are 5,500 undergraduates living in University facilities on the Binghamton campus. Each “unit” of residence has its own life and organization. Freshmen are required to live on-campus and have housing accommodations guaranteed upon admission. There are University and public buses and taxis to shuttle students around Binghamton University and around town. More than 200 student organizations are registered with the Student Association, including cultural, political, and social organizations. There are 41 fraternities and sororities on the Binghamton campus. Other activities include musical productions, concerts, theatre, the campus radio station, and student volunteer opportunities.
Athletics
The Binghamton University Bearcats compete in the NCAA Division I and the America East Conference. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming/diving, track & field, and wrestling. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming/diving, tennis track & field and volleyball. Binghamton’s outdoor athletic facilities include baseball and softball diamonds, tennis courts, and a championship-quality track and field facility. Indoor facilities include the West Gym’s basketball arena and aquatics facility, and the East Gym’s basketball arena and fit space. The athletic department provides strength and conditioning facilities for its student-athletes, and structure exercise and workout programs including sport-specific regimens and weight room schedules.
Local Community
The Binghamton area is actually composed of the towns of Binghamton, Endicott, and Johnson City, making the surrounding area more like a small metropolis than collection of towns. The greater Binghamton area includes such diversions as orchestras, theaters, and art. There are numerous parks and opportunities for sporting activities.
